ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – More than 10,000 homeowners have been denied in the first round of Florida’s Elevate program, a state initiative designed to raise flood-prone homes above risk levels. The $400 million pilot program aimed to lift 2,000 houses, leaving many of the 12,000 applicants without funding.
In Shore Acres, where flooding has repeatedly devastated the community, residents say the rejection letters are particularly painful. Hundreds in the neighborhood applied, citing repeated storm damage, but many are now left questioning the selection process.
Ashlen McIntire, who returned home just weeks ago after Hurricane Helene brought over four feet of water into her house last September, is still awaiting a decision. “We want to stay here, but we can’t if it’s going to keep flooding. Our house needs to be raised,” she said.
Kevin Batdorf, president of the Shore Acres Civic Association, described the disappointment as “heartbreaking,” especially for those who met the program’s listed criteria, including multiple flood events, hurricane damage, FEMA flood zone location, and substantial damage designation by local authorities. “If 8,000 of the 12,000 had three or more floods, how do you make those decisions? We don’t know the answer,” Batdorf said.
Despite the widespread denials, some Shore Acres families have advanced to the next stage: FEMA review. Residents say it’s a reminder that the program is ongoing and more homes may still be elevated in future rounds.
State data shows that as of July, 800 homeowners across Florida had reached FEMA review. Officials say high-risk areas are prioritized when large numbers of homes in one location apply. However, not all applications can be approved, and some may be shifted to other eligible project types with the applicant’s consent.
The Florida Division of Emergency Management has not confirmed whether the original goal of elevating 2,000 homes will remain in place. For now, many residents remain in limbo — waiting to see if their chance to protect their homes from future floods will come.
